Due to COVID-19 restrictions there is now a requirement to facilitate contact between children and non-resident family members remotely allowing families to retain relationships.
If you require an Independent Social Worker for supervised remote contact provisions and reporting, please see our FAQ’s below and get in touch if you need any more information.
Which platform will I need for remote contact?
The platform used for contact is flexible and suited to your requirements. We can facilitate Facetime, WhatsApp video, Zoom or any other platform of your choice.
What will happen if there are technical issues?
We can give technical support where required and ensure the connection, Wi-Fi and data are fit for purpose. Should anything happen on the call reasonable arrangements will be made to reconnect or reschedule where necessary.
How long can a virtual contact session last?
It is more difficult to keep engagement with a virtual session, particularly with younger children, therefore we recommend 1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins maximum. Should you have a court order for a higher amount of contact, this can be arranged as separate sessions.
Who can be in attendance for the session?
It is important that only those in attendance are those who are permitted under any court order, you may be asked to show the supervisor the room when in attendance to ensure that nobody else is attending.
How will the call be supervised?
The contact session will be supervised by a trained and qualified supervisor to ensure safe contact and safeguarding.
Will the supervisor provide a report on the contact session?
Yes, the Supervisor will provide a written report and hold any necessary follow up with parties attending the session.
How much will it cost?
The cost is dependent on time taken on each individual case, for further details and to discuss your specific needs, please get in touch.
This article was submitted to be published by Integrated Dispute Resolution as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Family Lawyer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Family Lawyer.
